In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Air school” means, except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, any person who, whether or not for compensation, gives or offers to give instruction in flying or in ground subjects relating to aeronautics. “Air school” does not include: Any public school or other noncollegiate educational institution approved by the State Board of Education; or Any college, university, or other institution of postsecondary education approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission.

The Administration may adopt rules and regulations providing for the licensing of air schools.

If the Administration provides for the licensing of air schools, a person may not operate an air school unless the person has an air school license as required by the rules and regulations of the Administration. A person may not give instruction in flying for compensation unless he is an authorized flight instructor under federal law.

Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section and in § 5-905 of this subtitle, the Administration: Shall issue any air school license that it requires, if the air school is in compliance with the rules and regulations of the Administration; and May charge an annual license fee of not more than $25. On application and, except for the considerations expressly listed in § 5-905(b) of this subtitle, without further requirement, the Administration shall issue any license required by it, at an annual fee of $1, to each air school that has been issued an appropriate federally approved air school certificate or rating.

After notice and opportunity for hearing, the Administration may suspend, revoke, or refuse to issue an air school license if it reasonably determines that the air school is unqualified. In determining whether a license should be suspended, revoked, or refused, the Administration shall be governed by the standards required by § 5-208 of this title and, among other things, shall consider: Whether the air school has violated any law of this State or of the United States relating to aeronautics; and Whether any instructor of the air school: Is addicted to the use of narcotics or other habit forming drugs; Is addicted to the excessive use of alcoholic beverages; Has made a material false statement in connection with an application to the Administration under this subtitle; or Has been guilty of conduct dangerous to the public safety or to the safety of those engaged in aeronautics.

Any person who violates any provision of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500.